Obituary of Rose Marie Natale

Rose Marie Natale, a woman who truly gave of herself to others, passed away at her home, with her family by her side, on Tuesday evening, October 6, 2020.  She was 85 years old.   Rose Marie was born in Boston. She was the daughter of the late Dominic and Anna Ierardi.  Rose Marie was proud of her parents who taught by example.    She was raised and educated in Roxbury and a graduate of Tufts University.    Rose Marie moved to Burlington in 1960 where she would raise her family.

Rose Marie worked as an Occupational Therapist, retiring at the age of 79.  She primarily worked in Lowell at both the Murkland Elementary School and the Shaughnessy Elementary School.  Rose Marie’s role was to work with disabled children and children with autism.  With her love of children, she was truly gifted in this role and gave her heart and her love to so many children in need.   People talk about a person “opening the doors of their home to others” - well Rose Marie literally did that. She would not think twice of bringing those in need into her home for help.    Rose Marie would protect them and, in some cases, help them heal.      Rose Marie felt that if someone was put in her path, God had sent them to her for a reason. 

Rose Marie was a loving and supportive mother to her five children.  She was like a second mom to many of their friends.  She liked to cook and would make her children an incredible meal even after coming home from a long day at work.   Her children used to joke that their mom was such a good cook, that they rarely went to a restaurant. Rose Marie got her cooking skills from her Italian grandmother, Mama.   She had a very close relationship with her grandmother, who had minimal formal education, spoke very little English but taught her so much.   She was blessed to be a doting grandmother to her 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.   Rose Marie was a devout Catholic and her faith was an important part of her life.   She enjoyed deep sea fishing and bird watching. She held a New England tennis ranking with her doubles partner Lorraine Lieb for many years.  Rose Marie also loved visiting the tranquil shores of Chatham at Cape Cod.    She had a bit of an adventurous side to her.  She participated in a few 150-mile bike rides to support Multiple Sclerosis and would think nothing of hiking the white mountains of NH. 

Rose Marie will be remembered for her warmth, compassion, and her genuine desire to help those in need.  She was truly an inspiration to those who knew and loved her. 

Rose Marie was the beloved mother of Susan Frasca & her husband Ed of Pelham, NH, Amy Flanagan & her husband Shawn of Topsfield, Christopher & his wife Christine of Melrose, Paula Smith of Pelham, NH and Rachael Haded & her husband Kevin of Chelmsford.    Proud grandmother of Jacquelyn Psoinos, Edward Frasca, Leah Rogers, Kevin & Charisse Flanagan, Alix Metros, Angelina Natale, Molly & Matthew Smith and Nathan, Aaron & Adam Haded.  Great Grandmother of Zachary, Cameron & Callan.  Rose Marie was awaiting the birth of her 4th great grandchild this December.   Sister of Joe Ierardi of Attleboro and Dominic Ierardi of FL.  Dear friend of Lorraine Lieb of Burlington and Former wife of John Natale of Winchester.    Funeral Services will be private.  Arrangement under the direction of the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, BURLINGTON.   In lieu of flowers, memorials in Rose Marie’s name may be made to the House of Hope, 812 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA 01854.